AVALON 2018: Danube Symphony - Eastbound (WPV)

9 days from Munich to Vienna

Your Danube river cruise adventure begins with three nights in the magnificent city of Munich, capital of Bavaria, Germany, and ends in romantic Vienna, the capital of Austria. While in Munich, a Local Guide will show you all the famous attractions. Then, stroll along the pedestrian walkways and savor a local beer in a traditional stein, as you relax alongside the locals at a Biergarten.An excursion takes you to the most dream-like castles in all of Europe-Neuschwanstein Castle-said to have inspired the tales of Walt Disney. And the magic of the day continues as you travel to Oberammergau, an idyllic village known for its once-a-decade performance of the Passion Play, and its typical Bavarian houses painted with scenes from fairytales. Travel by motorcoach to Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers,' and explore its narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful Patrician houses. Afterward, you can relax with a glass of wine atop the Sky Deck of your ship as you cruise along the Danube River into Austria. A highlight will be a guided visit to the majestic Benedictine Abbey in Melk, one of Europe's largest monasteries, which sits high on a bluff overlooking the Danube. In Durnstein, a guided walk will show you the baroque Stiftskirche, a church from the early 1700s, and one of the most beautiful, with its luminous blue and white facade.To round out this unforgettable European river cruise, visit Vienna, the 'City of Music'-known to have inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. After guided sightseeing, stroll along the pedestrian walkway of Karntnerstrasse, or try a piece of Apfelstrudel in an elegant Viennese cafe as a perfect ending to your river cruise adventure.

Call (520) 445-6812 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13253527

Munich, capital of Bavaria, offers a small-town feel with its pedestrian and bike-friendly atmosphere. With its historical museums, splendid English Garden, traditional cafes, and delightful shops, Munich has plenty to see and do. A LOCAL GUIDE will show you the highlights of this fascinating city, including Nymphenburg Palace, summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs; MARIENPLATZ with its Old and New Town Halls; and the gothic Frauenkirche, a prominent landmark for Munich. Then, enjoy time on your own in this vibrant city. Watch the famous Glockenspiel, recreating a royal wedding from the 16th century; enjoy the pedestrian zone; linger at an outdoor cafe; or visit St. Peter's, the oldest church in town. Why not visit the Viktualienmarkt with its Maypole that carries figurines featuring the arts and crafts of this region? This large market is popular for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, spices, baked goods, flowers, and more. Or, maybe relax alongside the locals at one of the Biergarten or breweries to sample Bavarian beer specialties. (B)

This morning, a full-day outing takes you into the garden-like landscapes of the Bavarian Alps for a visit to King Ludwig's fairytale NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, situated high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Continue to Oberammergau, famous for its once-a-decade production of the Passion Play. Enjoy free time in this small town to stroll along the streets and admire the typical Bavarian houses, many beautifully painted with scenes from fairytales. (B)

Enjoy a free morning in Munich, then, in the afternoon, drive to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube. Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg, which will end in Passau with embarkation on your ship. Meet your crew at a welcome reception this evening. (B,D)

Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses, and dominated by St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Join your Local Guide for a WALKING TOUR through this charming town, and find out much more about the 'City of Three Rivers.' (B,L,D)

Day 6

Grein

Linz is Austria's third-largest city and an important river port where culture plays a significant role in everyday life. A guided tour of the city shows you the 13th-century Hauptplatz, Austria's largest medieval square, and the Trinity Column, built in 1723 as thanks for the city escaping the ravages of the plague, war, and fire. Perhaps wander around the old castle grounds and take in the beautiful views of the river, or visit the neo-gothic New Cathedral, Austria's largest church, with capacity for 20,000 visitors. This afternoon relax on board enjoying the views of the peaceful riverscapes from the comfort of the Sky Deck or join an optional excursion. In the late afternoon arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. You'll have time here to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Durnstein

A day of charming towns and magical scenery awaits you today! Join a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY of Melk, one of Europe's largest monasteries. Melk's abbey towers over the town and its church houses stunning frescoed ceilings and an ornate library with a large collection of medieval manuscripts. Next, head into the heart of the Wachau wine region to Durnstein known for its magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, - and join a Certified Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK. This evening enjoy a TASTING of some of the region's famous wines. (B,L,D)

Wake up this morning in Vienna, known as the 'City of Music' and the place that inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral-plus, countless other sights you'll see on your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the pedestrian Karntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. (B,L,D)

The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.

Additional airline-imposed fees for seat assignments may apply and are not included in your total package cost. Please refer to carrier websites for seat assignment policies and applicable pricing.

Booking your Vacation with AirOur volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.

Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.

Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & FeesAir-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.